Arrived late into Marseille, due to mechanical issues with the plane from Strasbourg, which was actually quite nerve racking but after over an hour of sitting on the plane we finally made our way 1 hour and 15min flight to Marseille.
Security was once again a breeze and before we knew it we were walking out into the cold, brisk yet sunny day to get into our Mercedes Benz cab that was waiting for our arrival. We then embarked on our 20min drive with our insane cab driver dodging in and out of traffic, while he blasted his horn, cussing in French at the drivers; I strangely felt comfortable and at ease in the car while my other travel partners were freaked out, it kind of made me miss Houston and all its traffic glory. (LOL)
We arrive safely at the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port, checked in and I took the elevator to the 5th floor and entered my room where I was immediately blown away! Now this is what I am talking about a room WITH a view! To simply put it I was in L-O-V-E!
After cleaning up from a long morning travel day, I met the crew downstairs for drinks and meet and greet with the hotel sales rep. we checked out the property and the other categories of rooms. Once complete, we were informed that we had complimentary massages waiting for us, and that we had full access to the spa! This was all music to my ears, as I had thought about working out all week but hadn’t found the time, so this was perfect!
Following our spa time, we had a dinner reservation at 8p at the Les Trois Forts; the hotels fine Dining restaurant with panoramic views of Marseille; it was stunning! We had a special chef prepared menu just for us! Started out as a 4 course meal but we made it 5 after requesting to try each and every cheese they offered, as well with wine pairings, and fresh bread. What an experience; never was a cheese fan before but I must say the cheese and bread in France still have me longing for a plane ride back to the region just for some deliciousness :p
After our fab meal the chef came out and greeted us, he was surprised to walk out to the sound of us clapping for serving us such a beautiful meal from start to finish
The next morning we met our guide in the hotel lobby, her name was Josiane, she guided us through Le Panier (Old town), Le Mucem and the new marina, and La Joliette areas of town.
As soon as we stepped outside to embark on a day of touring, we experienced the power, and strength of the Mistral Winds – nothing could have prepared us for the frigid, strong winds but we continued on through our day letting the gusts of wind carry our feet as it pushed us along.
First stop was at a soap maker factory where we learned about the making of pure soap and what makes soap from Marseille so special
After soap making we made our way through the old town, Le Panier, where I truly fell in love with Marseille the architecture and history and real life living was explored. The days sun has fully come into view and even with mistral winds, I was able to take off my jacket and let the South of France sun warm my face as we poked into the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology
The feeling didn’t last long as the winds kicked back up again as we continued to tour the city, after the museum we visited the MuCEM followed by a stroll through their botanical gardens, there was an adjacent building nearby that offered stunning views of this port city and I was the only one who wanted to climb the 100+ stairs to the top; out of breath by the time I reached the top…but boy was it worth it!
Next, we made our way to the trolley station to catch a ride to visit the Notre Dame de la Garde – Basilica of Marseille. The day warmed up when I happened to sit next to a jolly Roman guy on a cruise vacation with his family, during this 20min ride to the Basilica we took pictures together and he serenaded me with some beautiful lyrics. Even with having a language barrier we snapped a few pics together and spoke of how much of a great time we each were having.
In our last day of our Marseille journey, we decided to go out on our in search of something yummy. We ended picking up dinner at an Italian eatery, named Chez Vincent. This place was phenomenal!!! From the pasta to the wood fire pizza to the remarkable desserts, this establishment was truly an Italian lover’s dream!
Next to our table was the matriarch of Chez Vincent, a fragile old lady sitting at the table, locals would come to her table as she just sat and watched everyone eat with her nurse by her side , and give her the typical two-sided French kiss. We were still dining when she decided to go bid farewell. It is a family run restaurant and you can see, feel and taste the love in every part of this restaurant. As she stood up she needed help from 3 people just to stand and walk. The entire place fell silent, as she said something in Italian; many locals responded with “buona note!” to her as they waved goodbye. It was truly a moment to remember and an experience that I will always cherish!
MARSEILLE you were beautiful, lovely, urban and authentic … I loved my brief stint here and definitely can not wait to return! **baisers**
Click here for full Marseille visual album
Miss Intl 